A firefighter uses his hands to search during a training drill

Hands Make Grabs

Firefighters are often trained to search using a tool, but that may not be the most effective when it comes to locating and rescuing victims.
Firefighters at fire with smoke showing

Prioritizing the Search with Limited Staffing

How can firefighters prioritize the search when dealing with limited staffing and resources? Daniel Folks shares his department's approach.
Engine based search firefighters with hoseline

The Engine Company-Based Search

If you don't have a truck company or the truck is designated to other tasks, you must perform an engine-based search.
firefighter searches with a boat anchor

Primary Search with a Boat Anchor?

For the purposes of primary search, the attack hoseline might as well be a boat anchor, slowing down firefighters' operations, says Russell Sykes.
Firefighter with a halligan

Back-to-Basics Truck Company Ops: Search Hazards

Mark van der Feyst reviews some of the common hazards firefighters may encounter while performing searches.
Firefighter Rescue Survey

Search and Rescue by the Numbers

Nick Ledin advises of the launch of the Fireground Rescue Survey and its aim to obtain data on the specifics of rescues made at structural…

The “Prime” in a Primary Search

David DeStefano offers insight into this scenario involving the response to a 12-story apartment building.